2013 Dodge Dart Knocked by Consumer Reports for Being Underpowered

The 2013 Dodge Dart stalls out on its powertrains, said Consumer Reports on Tuesday in a preview of reviews that will be in the magazine's January issue.

Consumer Reports also said it was "underwhelmed" by the 2013 Cadillac XTS and the 2013 Lincoln MKS.

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark was criticized for being "one of the lowest scoring cars tested" by Consumer Reports in recent years.

YONKERS, New York — The 2013 Dodge Dart stalls out on its powertrains, said Consumer Reports on Tuesday in a preview of reviews that will be in the magazine's January issue.

"Ultimately it didn't score high enough to be recommended in a very competitive small sedan class," said Consumer Reports in a statement about the Dart.

Chrysler did not immediately respond to a query from Edmunds asking for reaction to the disappointing Dart report.

"Consumer Reports testers found that the Dodge Dart has a relatively quiet cabin, its handling is fairly nimble, and the ride is taut yet compliant," Consumer Reports said.
"However, where the Dart stalls out is its powertrains. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder feels underpowered, while the optional 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is raspy and has drivability issues when mated with the optional dual-clutch automated manual transmission."

American luxury cars also came under fire in the report.

Consumer Reports also said it was "underwhelmed" by the 2013 Cadillac XTS and the 2013 Lincoln MKS.

The XTS was zinged for its CUE infotainment system, "which testers found to be convoluted and frustrating," said Consumer Reports.

The XTS was rated higher than the Lincoln MKS, which was faulted for a "cramped driving position, ungainly handling, uncomposed ride and limited visibility." The MKS was the lowest-rated luxury sedan in its class, according to Consumer Reports, "lagging far behind previously tested standouts like the Audi A6 and Infiniti M37."

The subcompact 2013 Chevrolet Spark was deemed to be too low scoring to be recommended by Consumer Reports. It was faulted in the report for "its sluggish acceleration, stiff and jittery ride and very noisy cabin."

Edmunds says: Several of Detroit's most highly anticipated 2013 models, including the Dodge Dart, get a spanking from Consumer Reports.